Volcanoes National Park: A Top Gorilla Trekking Destination in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park: A Top Gorilla Trekking Destination in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park : In the northwestern province of Rwanda, in the Musanze district, lies the iconic Volcanoes National Park, also known as Parc National des Volcanos. Covering about 160 square kilometers, this diverse park a of bamboo forests, swamps, grassland, and heath. It is named after the five volcanic peaks within its boundaries: Mount Karisimbi, Bisoke, Sabinyo, Gahinga, and Muhabura. The park is renowned for its incredible wildlife, particularly the endangered mountain gorillas, and is a must-visit for those seeking an intimate experience with these great apes.

Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is home to over 12 fully habituated gorilla families, making it a prime destination for gorilla trekking. Each group is led by a dominant silverback and named according to the group’s history or characteristics. A gorilla trekking permit costs $1,500 per person, and groups of up to 8 visitors can trek to spend an hour with one of these magnificent families. The trekking experience can range from an easy walk to a challenging climb, depending on the gorilla group’s location.

Notable Gorilla Families in Volcanoes National Park:

• Amahoro Group: Named after the word for “peace” in the local language, the Amahoro Group is led by the serene Ubumwe Reaching the Amahoro Group requires a challenging uphill climb, but the reward is worth the effort.
• Sabinyo Group: Led by Guhonda, this group is named after Mount Sabinyo, a dormant volcano. The Sabinyo Group has fewer members but is conveniently located close to the park headquarters, making it an ideal option for visitors who prefer a shorter trek.
• Hirwa Group: This group was formed by members from other families, including Group 13, Susa, and Sabinyo. The silverback Munyinya left Susa with two females and eventually gathered more members to form Hirwa.
• Kwitonda Group: Named after its leader, Kwitonda, which means “the humble one.” This group migrated from the DRC and settled in Rwanda. It can be challenging to track due to its roaming on the upper slopes of Mount Muhabura.
• Agashya Group: Originally called Group 13 during the habituation process, it is now led by the silverback Agashya and has expanded to 25 members.

Wildlife in Volcanoes National Park

Apart from mountain gorillas, Volcanoes National Park is also home to the rare and endangered golden monkeys, as well as forest elephants, buffaloes, and various other primate species. The park features over 200 bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Birding enthusiasts can spot the Ruwenzori batis, Rwenzori turaco, and other Albertine Rift endemics. The Buhanga Eco Park and Musanze caves, formed by volcanic eruptions 62 million years ago, are other exciting sites to explore within the park.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Volcanoes National Park is during the dry season, which lasts from June to September and December to February. During this time, the trekking trails are more accessible. The wet season (March to May and October to November) can also be a good time for photographers and those interested in experiencing gorilla trekking with fewer tourists.

How to Get to Volcanoes National Park

The park is easily accessible by road from Kigali City (a drive of about two hours). It is also accessible from nearby parks and border crossings, such as the Cyanika border from Uganda.

Accommodation at Volcanoes National Park

There are various accommodation options available in and around Volcanoes National Park, ranging from upmarket lodges to budget lodges:

• Bisate Lodge: Offers luxury accommodations with stunning views of the Virunga Mountains.
• Virunga Lodge: Another luxury option providing comfort and spectacular views.
• Kwitonda Lodge: Offers an exclusive and luxurious experience for those seeking the utmost comfort.
• Le Bamboo Gorilla Lodge: A mid-range lodge ideal for those seeking a more affordable experience.
• Da Vinci Lodge, Kiningi Guest House, and Muhabura Lodge are great budget options for travelers looking to enjoy the gorilla trekking experience without spending too much.

Plan Your Safari in Rwanda

Volcanoes National Park offers a unique opportunity to discover the best of Rwanda and experience mountain gorilla trekking firsthand. To plan your luxurious gorilla tour in Rwanda, you can reach out to our travel specialists at gorillaugandasafaribookings@gmail.com. You may also consider combining your gorilla tour with visits to other top destinations in Rwanda, such as Nyungwe Forest National Park for a chimpanzee adventure or Akagera National Park for an unforgettable wildlife safari.

The lush landscapes of Volcanoes National Park, coupled with the extraordinary experience of trekking with mountain gorillas and enjoying the rich biodiversity, make it a true gem of “The Land of a Thousand Hills”.